Transportable restroom
Summary by NHIP
Skid-Mounted Restroom with Triangular Recess
The transportable restroom mounts a clean water tank and a waste water tank side-by-side on a skid to form a unitary base. A recess with triangular wall portions in the skid contains the waste water tank bottom, while flanges attach to the tank outer edge portions.
Claim Score by NHIP
Abstract
A transportable restroom comprises a rectangular skid; a clean water tank carried by the skid and a waste water tank carried by the skid and disposed side to side on the skid to form a unitary base; wall extending from the base including a door; roof over the wall; and a toilet disposed over the waste water tank. The skid includes a recess with triangular wall portions. The waste water tank includes a bottom with corresponding triangular wall portions; and the waste water tank is disposed within the recess.

Term
6.4 yearsleft in the term
Expires 5 February 2033.
- Priority
- Filed
- Granted
- Today
- Expires
26 claims: 3 independent, 23 dependent
- 1A transportable restroom, comprising:a) a skid;b) a clean water tank carried by said skid;c) a waste water tank carried by said skid;d) said clean water tank and said waste water tank are disposed side to side on said skid to form a unitary base;e) wall extending from said base including a door;f) a roof over said wall;g) a toilet disposed over said waste water tank;h) said the skid including a recess;i) the waste water tank including a bottom;j) said bottom of said waste water tank is disposed within said recess;k) said clean water tank and said waste water tank including outer edge portions;and l) flanges disposed on said outer edge portions.
- 23Broadest claimClaim Score 61, broad(NHIP)A transportable restroom, comprising:a) a skid supporting said transportable restroom, said skid including a bottom with a slot across said bottom, said skid including a first recess centered at a front side of said skid, said skid including a second recess centered at a rear side of said skid;b) a longitudinal member disposed in said slot;c) first and second wheels attached to said longitudinal member to support the restroom on said first and second wheels;and d) a handle with a third wheel at one end and a projecting member above said third wheel;e) said projecting member when inserted in said first recess or said second recess is effective to raise said front side or said rear side, respectively, when said handle is rotated downwardly and support said restroom on said third wheel for hauling said restroom to a desired location.
- 26A transportable restroom, comprising:a) a skid;b) a clean water tank carried by said skid;c) a waste water tank carried by said skid;d) said clean water tank and said waste water tank are disposed side to side on said skid to form a unitary base;e) wall extending from said base including a door;f) roof over said wall;g) a toilet disposed over said waste water tank;h) said the skid including a recess;i) the waste water tank including a bottom disposed in said recess;j) a pair of wheels disposed below said skid at a first end of said skid to elevate said first end above the ground;and k) a handle with a wheel at one end disposed below said skid at a second end opposite to said first end of said skid to elevate said second end above the ground.
Independent claims3
73 paragraphs in 5 sections, as filed
RELATED APPLICATION
0001This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 13/759,803, filed on Feb. 5, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,340,963, the priority benefit of which is hereby claimed.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
0002The present invention is generally directed to portable toilets and in particular to transportable toilets for temporary use in places where municipal sewer hookups are not available.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
0003The present invention provides a transportable restroom comprising a rectangular skid; a clean water tank carried by the skid and a waste water tank carried by the skid and disposed side to side on the skid to form a unitary base; wall extending from the base including a door; roof over the wall; and a toilet disposed over the waste water tank. The skid includes a recess with triangular wall portions. The waste water tank includes a bottom with corresponding triangular wall portions; and the waste water tank is disposed within the recess.
0004The present invention further provides transportable restroom, comprising: a skid and a clean water tank and a waste water tank carried by the skid. The waste water tank includes an access opening for removing contents from the waste water tank and a cover over the access opening. The access opening includes a peripheral edge with a groove for receiving water; and the cover includes a peripheral projection for being received within the groove.
0005The present invention further provides a transportable restroom, comprising a skid supporting the transportable restroom; the skid including a bottom with a slot across the bottom; a first recess centered at a front side of the skid and a second recess centered at a rear side of the skid. A longitudinal member is disposed in the slot and first and second wheels are attached to the longitudinal member to support the restroom on the first and second wheels; and a handle with a third wheel at one end and a projecting member above the third wheel. The projecting member when inserted in the first recess or the second recess is effective to raise the front side or the rear side, respectively, when the handle is rotated downwardly and support the restroom on the third wheel for hauling the restroom to a desired location.
0006The present invention also provides a transportable restroom, comprising a skid; a clean water tank and a waste water tank carried by the skid and disposed side to side on the skid to form a unitary base; wall extending from the base including a door; roof over the wall; and a toilet disposed over the waste water tank. The walls include an outer wall, an inner wall and a radiant barrier. The outer wall is spaced from the inner wall; and the radiant barrier is disposed between the outer wall and the inner wall.
0007The present invention further provides a transportable restroom, comprising a skid; a clean water tank and a waste water tank carried by the skid disposed side to side on the skid to form a unitary base; a battery housing carried by the waste water tank. The battery housing includes an outer wall, an inner wall and a radiant barrier. The outer wall is spaced from the inner wall; and the radiant barrier is disposed between the outer wall and the inner wall.
0008The present invention provides a transportable restroom, comprising a skid; a clean water tank and a waste water tank carried by the skid and disposed side to side on the skid to form a unitary base; the extending from the base including a door; roof over the wall; a toilet disposed over the waste water tank; and a solar panel positionable over the roof when deployed. The solar panel is positionable vertically adjacent the wall for transport.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a perspective view of a transportable restroom with portions shown broken away, embodying the present invention.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a top perspective view of a skid embodying the present invention.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a bottom perspective view of the skid shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a top perspective view of a clean water tank embodying the present invention.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a bottom perspective view of the clean water tank shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> is a top perspective view of a waste water tank embodying the present invention.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> is a bottom perspective view of the waste water tank shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> is a side elevational view of the waste water tank shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> is a rear top perspective view of the clean water tank and the waste water tank nested together on top of the skid to form a unitary base.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref> is a side elevational view of the transportable restroom of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, showing a solar panel in a deployed position.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref> is a perspective assembly drawing of a wall construction of the transportable restroom embodying the present invention.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 12</figref> is an edge perspective view of the wall construction shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 11</figref>.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 13</figref> is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line <b>13</b>-<b>13</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 14</figref> is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line <b>14</b>-<b>14</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 10</figref>.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 15</figref> is a perspective view of a roof structure of the transportable restroom embodying the present invention.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 16</figref> is side elevational view of the transportable restroom of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, showing the solar panel in a transport position.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 17</figref> is a perspective view of the solar panel in the deployed position.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 18</figref> is perspective view of a side of the transportable restroom of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, showing a pin used to place the solar panel in the transport position.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref> is a front top perspective view of the unitary base shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, showing a dolly system for moving the transportable restroom.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> is a cross-sectional view showing the engagement of a wheeled handle with the underside of the skid.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 21</figref> is a side elevational view showing the lifting of the front end of the unitary base to allow insertion of a carriage underneath the base.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 22</figref> is a side elevational view of the unitary base showing the act of inserting the wheeled handle at the rear end of the base.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 23</figref> is a side elevational view of the unitary base lifted from the ground and ready to be wheeled away.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 24</figref> is a perspective view of a handle with a wheel and a disc to be placed underneath the wheel.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref> is a perspective view of a pair of wheels riding on respective discs.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 26</figref> is a perspective view with portions shown in cross-section showing a disc supporting a wheel.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 27</figref> is a perspective view of a disc.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref> is a top view of a disc.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 29</figref> is front end view of the disc of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref>.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 30</figref> is a side elevational view of the disc of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 28</figref>.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 31</figref> is a perspective view of a cover and a wall of battery housing.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 32</figref> is a cross-sectional view of a wall and a cover of battery housing, showing radiant barrier sheets inside the wall and the cover.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref> is perspective view of a cover over an access opening of a waste water tank.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 34</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the cover and the access opening of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref>.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 35</figref> is a cross-sectional view of the cover and the access opening of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 33</figref>, showing the cover being opened.
<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 36</figref> is a plumbing schematic of the restroom of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
0045Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a transportable and self-contained restroom <b>2</b> is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,340,963, hereby incorporated by reference. The restroom <b>2</b> includes a preferably one-piece molded rectangular skid <b>4</b> configured for lifting by a standard forklift (not shown) for loading onto and unloading from a truck for transport to a site where the restroom <b>2</b> is to be used. The skid <b>4</b> includes slots <b>5</b> for receiving the lifting arms of the forklift. The forklift may also be used for positioning the restroom <b>2</b> at a specific location at the site. A one-piece molded clean water tank <b>6</b> and a one-piece molded waste water tank <b>8</b> are disposed on the skid <b>4</b>. The clean water tank <b>6</b> and the waste water tank <b>8</b> are separate (not connected) and independent from each other so that a leak in one tank will not affect the other tank. The tanks <b>6</b> and <b>8</b> nest or mate together over the skid <b>4</b> to form a rectangular base <b>7</b> for the restroom <b>2</b>. A sheet <b>19</b> made of plastic or other suitable material is laid on top of the tanks <b>6</b> and <b>8</b> to advantageously provide a flat and continuous surface to cover the breaks and crannies on the top walls of tanks and aid in clean-up with water spraying.
0046The restroom <b>2</b> has walls <b>11</b> on three sides (one wall is shown), a door <b>13</b>, a roof <b>17</b>, a toilet <b>15</b> and a hand wash <b>9</b>. The walls <b>11</b> are attached to a U-shaped member <b>23</b> attached to the top wall of water tanks.
0047The weight of the clean water tank <b>6</b> or the waste water tank <b>8</b> when full and their lower location with respect to the ground advantageously anchors the restroom to the ground and advantageously provide a lower center of gravity for the restroom <b>2</b> for stability.
0048Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, the skid <b>4</b> includes a peripheral flange <b>10</b> that mates with a peripheral step <b>12</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 5 and 7</figref>) along the outer bottom edges of the tanks <b>6</b> and <b>8</b>. The flange <b>10</b> advantageously keeps the tanks <b>6</b> and <b>8</b> contained within the outer boundary of the skid <b>4</b>. The skid <b>4</b> includes a top horizontal flat wall <b>14</b> and a recess <b>16</b> formed from triangular wall portions <b>18</b> joined to form an inverted pyramid. The flat wall <b>14</b> supports the clean water tank <b>6</b>. The recess <b>16</b> extends downwardly from below the level of the wall <b>14</b>. The triangular wall portions <b>18</b> support the waste water tank <b>8</b>.
0049The lowest part of the bottom of the recess <b>16</b> has an opening <b>20</b> for draining water to the ground. An opening <b>21</b> communicates with the top wall <b>14</b> for draining water to the ground. Bosses <b>22</b> are provided for attachment of the waste water tank <b>8</b> to the skid <b>4</b>. Holes <b>23</b> are provided for attachment of the clean water tank <b>6</b> to the skid <b>4</b>. Flange portions <b>26</b> at the front and rear of the skid <b>4</b> are provided for securing with respective Z-bars <b>28</b> (one is shown) attached to a flatbed trailer to keep the restroom <b>2</b> secured to the flatbed trailer during transport. The restroom <b>2</b> slides into or out of the Z-bars <b>28</b>.
0050Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the underside of the skid <b>4</b> is shown. The slots <b>5</b> extend through the width of the skid. Several kiss-offs <b>30</b> help support the weight of the tanks <b>6</b> and <b>8</b> and transfer the weight to the ground. The bottom of the skid includes several flat walls <b>32</b> for maximum surface contact with the ground for effective support of the weight of the restroom <b>2</b>. The bosses <b>22</b> are supported by vertical walls <b>40</b> to transmit the weight of the waste water tank <b>8</b> to the ground.
0051Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, the clean water tank <b>6</b> includes a slot <b>33</b> into which the waste water tank <b>8</b> is nested. The slot <b>33</b> includes sides <b>34</b>, <b>36</b> and <b>38</b>. Flange portions <b>42</b> are provided around the outer periphery of the tank <b>6</b> for attachment of the U-shaped member <b>23</b>, which is used to attach the walls <b>11</b>. Slots <b>46</b> that communicate with the interior of the restroom <b>2</b> and the outside are provided along one side of the clean water tank <b>6</b>. The slots <b>46</b> advantageously allow water used to clean the inside of the restroom <b>2</b> to flow to the outside. The slots <b>46</b> are also used to draw air from the outside into the interior of a double-space wall as will be described below. Fresh water fill port <b>48</b> is provided with a recess <b>50</b> with a strainer for salt pellets for used during cold weather to prevent water freezing. A top wall <b>49</b> receives a user as he/she enters the door <b>13</b> disposed above the side <b>55</b>. The fill port <b>48</b> is advantageously located outside the walls <b>11</b> so that the clean water tank <b>6</b> can be refilled without going inside the restroom <b>2</b>.
0052Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, the clean water tank <b>6</b> includes a flat bottom wall <b>51</b> that mates with the flat top wall <b>14</b> of the skid <b>4</b>, advantageously supporting the clean water <b>6</b> with maximum surface contact. Conical walls <b>53</b> as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,340,963 provide support to the top wall <b>49</b>, transferring the load of the tank and the user to the skid and to the ground.
0053Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, the waste water tank <b>8</b> includes sides <b>52</b>, <b>54</b> and <b>56</b> that mate with respective sides <b>34</b>, <b>36</b> and <b>38</b> of the clean water tank <b>6</b>. Flanges <b>60</b> are provided for mounting the U-shaped member <b>23</b>. A housing <b>62</b> for a battery is provided at one end of the waste water tank. An access <b>64</b> into the interior of the waste water tank <b>8</b> permits vacuuming and cleaning of the waste water tank. An openable cover <b>66</b> keeps the access closed to keep odor in. An opening <b>68</b> into the waste water tank <b>8</b> is configured to receive the outlet of the toilet <b>15</b>. Slots <b>69</b> that communicate with the interior of the restroom <b>2</b> and the outside are provided along one side of the waste water tank <b>8</b>. The slots <b>69</b> advantageously allow water used to clean the inside of the restroom <b>2</b> to drain to the outside. The slots <b>69</b> are also used to draw air from the outside into the interior of a double-space wall as will be described below.
0054Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, a bottom perspective view of the waste water tank <b>8</b> is disclosed. The bottom wall <b>70</b> is made up of several triangular shaped wall portions <b>72</b> descending downwardly to a common low point to form an inverted pyramid shape. The wall portions <b>72</b> mate with the corresponding wall portions <b>18</b> of the skid <b>4</b>. The wall portions <b>72</b> meet at an apex <b>74</b>, which is substantially below the opening <b>69</b>, thereby allowing the waste solids to accumulate in the lowest point of the waste water tank <b>8</b> for easier cleaning. Horizontal pads <b>76</b> are disposed within respective recesses <b>78</b>, which are configured to receive the respective bosses <b>22</b> on the skid <b>4</b>. Through-openings <b>80</b> are aligned with the openings <b>21</b> in the skid <b>4</b> to allow for drainage of cleaning water.
0055Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, the bottom wall <b>70</b> of the waste water tank <b>8</b> is shown angled downwardly toward the apex <b>74</b>. The angle of inclination from the horizontal is configured to provide a larger capacity for the waste water tank <b>8</b> and for easier cleaning, since the waste solids will tend to settle toward the apex <b>74</b>, which is at a line of sight from the access <b>64</b> when the door <b>66</b> is opened. The apex <b>74</b> is advantageously disposed below the toilet opening <b>68</b> so that waste solids will drop directly into the apex <b>74</b>. Rinse water used for spraying the interior of the tank <b>8</b> would also drain readily toward the apex <b>74</b> for easier vacuuming. The access <b>64</b> is advantageously located outside the walls <b>11</b> and is, therefore, accessible from the outside.
0056Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, the clean water tank <b>6</b> and the waste water <b>8</b> are shown nested to each other over the skid <b>4</b> to form a unitary base. An openable cover <b>82</b> is provided for the housing <b>62</b> for access to the battery for maintenance or replacement. The side <b>36</b> of the clean water tank <b>6</b> is configured to abut and engage the sides <b>54</b> of the waste water tank <b>8</b> for rigidity to the top wall <b>49</b> to provide support to the user when he/she enters the restroom <b>2</b> and steps over the top wall <b>49</b>. The vertical walls on the sides <b>36</b> and <b>54</b> when they are nested together advantageously provide additional load bearing strength for a user standing on or near the sides <b>36</b> and <b>54</b> to resist shear and compression loads.
0057Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10, 11 and 12</figref>, the wall <b>11</b> is a double-space wall construction with an outer wall <b>84</b>, an inner wall <b>86</b> spaced from the outer wall <b>84</b> with an intermediate radiant barrier <b>88</b> in between. The inner wall <b>86</b> includes a plurality of projections <b>90</b> space the radiant barrier <b>88</b> away from the inner wall <b>86</b>. A plurality of ribs <b>92</b> extends inwardly into the interior space of the wall <b>11</b> to space the radiant barrier <b>88</b> away from the outer wall <b>84</b>. The resulting assembly provides air space <b>94</b> between the inner wall <b>86</b> and radiant barrier <b>88</b> and air space <b>96</b> between the outer wall <b>84</b> and the radiant barrier <b>88</b>. The air spaces <b>94</b> and <b>96</b> promote convection air flow to carry heat impinging on the outer wall <b>84</b> to the outside. The radiant barrier <b>88</b>, which is preferably made of an aluminum foil layer over a polyethylene sheet, commercially available from ASTRO-FOIL International, is disposed inside the wall <b>11</b> such that the foil layer faces the outer wall <b>84</b> to reflect radiation away from the inner wall <b>86</b>. The air spaces <b>94</b> and <b>96</b> are preferably each about 0.75 inches. Hot air flows <b>95</b> and <b>97</b> in the respective spaces <b>94</b> and <b>96</b> advantageously help moderate the temperature inside the restroom <b>2</b> against the solar radiation <b>99</b> impinging on the wall <b>11</b>.
0058Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 13 and 14</figref>, cool air flow <b>98</b> enters the spaces <b>94</b> and <b>96</b> through the respective slots <b>69</b> along the side of the waste water tank <b>8</b> and the slots <b>46</b> along the side of the clean water tank <b>6</b> and exits out through a vent <b>100</b> in the roof <b>17</b>. The cool air flow <b>98</b> absorbs the heat within the spaces <b>94</b> and <b>96</b> as it flows upwardly before discharging through the opening <b>100</b> at the roof. Accordingly, the double-space construction of the wall <b>11</b> helps prevent the interior of the restroom <b>2</b> from overheating.
0059The roof <b>17</b> includes an outer wall <b>102</b> spaced from an inner wall <b>104</b>, creating a space <b>106</b> for the air flow <b>98</b> from the bottom of the wall <b>11</b>. A radiant barrier <b>108</b> is disposed between spacer ribs <b>110</b> to create a space <b>115</b> between the inner wall <b>104</b> and the radiant barrier <b>108</b>. Another space <b>113</b> between the radiant barrier and the outer wall <b>102</b> may also be created. The outer wall <b>102</b> is disposed over the radiant barrier <b>108</b>. The radiant barrier <b>108</b>, which is preferably made of an aluminum foil layer over a polyethylene sheet, commercially available from ASTRO-FOIL International, is adhered over the spacer ribs <b>110</b> such that the foil layer faces the outer wall <b>102</b> to reflect radiation away from the inner wall <b>104</b>. The spaces <b>106</b> and <b>113</b> communicate with the spaces <b>94</b> and <b>96</b> in the wall <b>11</b> to allow the flow of hot air to exit through the vent <b>100</b>.
0060An electric fan <b>112</b> disposed at the roof <b>17</b> provides additional ventilation inside the restroom <b>2</b>. Cool air is drawn through the bottom slots <b>69</b> and <b>46</b> and out through a vent opening <b>100</b> to the outside under a cover <b>114</b>.
0061Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 10, 16 and 17</figref>, a solar panel <b>116</b> is positionable between a transport position and a deployed position. The solar panel is pivotably attached to the roof <b>17</b> at pivots <b>118</b>. When in the transport position, the solar panel <b>116</b> is disposed vertically downwardly from the pivots <b>118</b>, substantially close to the rear wall of the restroom <b>2</b>. The solar panel <b>116</b> is rotatable by more than 180° from the deployed position to the transport position to advantageously position the operative face of the solar panel close to the rear wall of the restroom for protection during transport. When in the deployed position, the solar panel <b>116</b> is angled toward the sun to received maximum solar radiation, preferably between 10° to 40° from the horizontal plane. A pair of attachment portions <b>120</b> molded into the roof <b>17</b> (one is visible) support the pivots <b>118</b>. An arm <b>122</b> with multiple holes <b>124</b> has one end <b>126</b> pivotably attached to an opposite corner of the solar panel <b>116</b> with pivot <b>128</b>. A pin <b>130</b> attached to an upper edge of the wall <b>11</b> a distance from the pivot <b>118</b> is used to receive one of the holes <b>124</b> to properly position the solar panel <b>116</b> toward the sun. A pin <b>132</b> disposed at lower portion of the wall <b>11</b> is used to secure the arm <b>122</b> when the solar panel <b>116</b> is the transport position. The operative face of the solar panel <b>116</b> is advantageously toward the wall <b>11</b> when in the transport position for protection. When deployed, the solar panel <b>116</b> is used to charge the battery.
0062Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 19</figref>, a pair of wheels <b>134</b> attached to a longitudinal member <b>136</b> and a handle <b>138</b> with a wheel <b>140</b> at one end <b>142</b> may be used to move the restroom <b>2</b> to its final position after having been unloaded from a truck. The skid <b>4</b> has a recess <b>144</b> centered at the front side and an identical recess <b>145</b> centered at the rear side (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>). One of the wheels <b>134</b> is attached to collar <b>135</b> which is slidable along the member <b>136</b> to shorten or lengthen the distance between the wheels <b>134</b> depending on the width of the lift gate of the truck used to transport the restroom <b>2</b>. The collar <b>135</b> may be locked in place with a set screw <b>137</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 25</figref>).
0063The wheels <b>134</b> and <b>140</b> are used on hard surfaces, such as asphalt or concrete. For sandy surfaces or soft dirt, convex shaped discs <b>158</b> are placed underneath the respective wheels to advantageously distribute the weight of the restroom over the larger surface area of the discs.
0064Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref>, the handle <b>138</b> is bent at an intermediate portion <b>146</b>. The end <b>142</b> includes a bent portion <b>148</b> and a cross-member <b>150</b>. The other end of the handle <b>138</b> has a cross-member <b>152</b> for convenient gripping by the user.
0065Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 20</figref> with the understanding that the structure disclosed for the recess <b>145</b> is identical to the recess <b>144</b>, when the end <b>142</b> is inserted into the recess <b>145</b>, the cross-member <b>150</b> engages a support wall <b>154</b> of the recess <b>145</b> disposed at a distance above the bottom surface <b>156</b> of the skid <b>4</b> less than the distance between the cross-member <b>150</b> and the bottom of the wheel <b>140</b>. Consequently, pushing the handle <b>138</b> downwardly is effective to lift the surface <b>156</b> above the ground, providing enough clearance to slip the wheels <b>134</b> into the slot <b>5</b> thereby to place the wheel <b>134</b> underneath the skid <b>4</b>. The wheels <b>134</b> may then be positioned in the slot <b>5</b> lifted above the ground by the handle <b>138</b>. Once the wheels <b>134</b> are positioned in the slot <b>5</b>, the handle <b>138</b> is removed from the recess <b>145</b> and inserted in the recess <b>144</b> at the front of the skid <b>4</b> to lift it, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 22 and 23</figref>. The handle <b>138</b> is then pulled to move the restroom <b>2</b>. The operation may be reversed, starting with the recess <b>144</b> and then with the recess <b>145</b> and then pulling the restroom <b>2</b> at the rear end.
0066Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 24-26</figref>, the wheel <b>140</b> is pivotable about a vertical axis in the direction <b>143</b> to allow the operator to guide the wheel <b>140</b> in the desired direction. The discs <b>158</b> are disposed underneath the respective wheels <b>134</b> and <b>140</b> so that a concave surface <b>160</b> is presented to the dirt or sand in the direction <b>162</b> the restroom is pulled. Each of the discs <b>158</b> has wheel receiver <b>164</b> that holds the respective wheel at rear portion <b>166</b> inside the disc so that the leading surface <b>160</b> of the disc is lifted up to skim over the sand or dirt when the restroom is pulled.
0067Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 27-30</figref>, the disc <b>158</b> is shaped like a dish with a continuously convex bottom surface <b>168</b> and a curved peripheral edge <b>170</b>. The receiver <b>164</b> has front wall <b>172</b> and side walls <b>174</b>. The receiver <b>164</b> is disposed at the rear portion <b>166</b> of the disc, with side walls <b>174</b> extending beyond the rear edge <b>176</b> of the disc, allowing the side walls <b>174</b> to be guided to receive the respective wheel before the wheel is pulled onto the disc. The weight of the restroom bearing on the rear portion of the discs <b>158</b> through the respective wheels advantageously keeps the leading surface <b>160</b> raised up to slide over the sand or dirt.
0068The discs <b>158</b> can have any shape when viewed from the top, such as ski shaped, as long as the weight of the restroom is distributed over the larger surface area of the discs and they can glide over the sand or dirt.
0069Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 31 and 32</figref>, the battery housing <b>62</b> has side wall <b>178</b> and a cover <b>82</b>. The cover <b>82</b> has an inner wall <b>179</b> and an outer wall <b>181</b>. The side wall <b>178</b> has an inner wall <b>183</b> and an outer wall <b>185</b>. The cover <b>82</b> and side wall <b>178</b> are provided with slots <b>180</b> for insertion of radiant barrier sheets <b>182</b> into the interior space of the side wall <b>178</b> and the cover <b>82</b>. The radiant barrier sheets <b>182</b> advantageously reflect radiant heat from the sun away from the battery inside the housing <b>62</b>. The radiant barrier sheet <b>182</b> is preferably made of an aluminum foil layer over a polyethylene sheet, commercially available from ASTRO-FOIL International. The aluminum foil advantageously reflects radiant heat away from the interior of the battery housing <b>62</b>. The barrier sheets <b>182</b> helps to keep the battery from overheating when the battery housing <b>62</b> is exposed to the sun.
0070Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 33 and 35</figref>, an access <b>187</b> into the interior of the waste water tank that advantageously keeps the odor from escaping to the outside is disclosed. The access <b>187</b> includes a cover <b>184</b> and a groove <b>186</b> disposed around the periphery of the access opening <b>188</b>. The groove <b>186</b> is horizontal so that water will fill the entire course of the groove. A projection <b>190</b> extends downwardly from the underside of the cover <b>184</b> and is disposed within the groove <b>186</b> when the cover is closed. The projection <b>190</b> makes a complete circuit and uninterrupted run within the groove <b>186</b>. When the groove <b>186</b> is filled with water, the lower edge portion <b>192</b> of the projection <b>190</b> is immersed in the water, thereby blocking the path of air from the interior of the waste water tank <b>8</b> to the outside. Odor is kept within the waste water tank <b>8</b> since the path of air from the interior would follow the interior surface of the cover <b>184</b> and the projection <b>190</b> that is blocked by the water within the groove <b>186</b>. The projection <b>190</b> may be wedge shaped with a vertical side <b>191</b> and a ramped side <b>193</b>, but can be any shape as long as the lower edge portion <b>192</b> is completely immersed in the water within the groove <b>186</b>.
0071A hinge <b>194</b> attaches the cover <b>184</b> to the tank <b>8</b>. A pin <b>196</b> attached to the cover <b>184</b> is captured within an inclined slot <b>198</b>. The cover <b>184</b> is opened by pulling on the cover horizontally, causing the pin <b>196</b> to ride on the slot <b>198</b> and the ramped side <b>193</b> on the upper edge <b>202</b> of the groove <b>186</b>. The displacement of the cover along the slot <b>198</b> serves to clear the projection <b>190</b> from the groove <b>186</b> so that the cover can then be rotated and opened.
0072Referring to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 36</figref>, a plumbing circuit for the restroom <b>2</b> is disclosed. Water from the clean water tank <b>6</b> is fed to the toilet <b>15</b> via a strainer and check valve <b>203</b> to a filter <b>204</b> and an electric pump <b>206</b> powered by a battery. Water from the clean water tank <b>6</b> is also fed to the hand wash <b>9</b> via a foot pump <b>208</b>. Waste water from the toilet and the hand wash flows into the waste water tank <b>8</b>.
0073While this invention has been described as having preferred design, it is understood that it is capable of further modification, uses and/or adaptations following in general the principle of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the invention pertains, and as may be applied to the essential features set forth, and fall within the scope of the invention or the limits of the appended claims.
Contents5
28 sheets
Sheet 1 Sheet 2 Sheet 3 Sheet 4 Sheet 5 Sheet 6 Sheet 7 Sheet 8 Sheet 9 Sheet 10 Sheet 11 Sheet 12 Sheet 13 Sheet 14 Sheet 15 Sheet 16 Sheet 17 Sheet 18 Sheet 19 Sheet 20 Sheet 21 Sheet 22 Sheet 23 Sheet 24 Sheet 25 Sheet 26 Sheet 27 Sheet 28
Every citation, both ways
| Document | Relation | Office | Cited during |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN108505767A | Cited by | China | Search report |
| US11643796B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US2018010350A1 | Cited by | United States of America | Search report |
| USD980456S | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US2018010350A1 | Cited by | United States of America | Search report |
| US1120251A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US1199391A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| GB191417828A | Cites | United Kingdom | Search report |
| US2003024191A1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US2005046131A1 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US2005241055A1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US2006068278A1 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US2006277675A1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US2008184471A1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US2009100585A1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US2010050330A1 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US2011030802A1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US2012167297A1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US2013167293A1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US2014143945A1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US2014215702A1 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| WO2016078682A1 | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | Search report |
| US3949430A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US3992727A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US4031572A | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US4163294A | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US4185337A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US4305164A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US4378191A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US4432273A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US4761840A | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US4776631A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US4805660A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US4888832A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US4892349A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US4908885A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US4944048A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US4974899A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US5031249A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US5056166A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US5060320A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US5073994A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US5318275A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US5363510A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US5398465A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US5500960A | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US5513395A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US5560050A | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US5761864A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US5875499A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US6158061A | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US6164214A | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US6189161B1 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US6327719B1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US6430757B1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US6438902B1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US6507958B1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US6754997B2 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US6804840B2 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US6871361B2 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US7293298B2 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US7373757B2 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US7765625B2 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US7861331B2 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US8176577B2 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US8215421B2 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US8230531B2 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US8276218B2 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US8904571B2 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US9303420B2 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| JPH07292750A | Cites | Japan | Applicant |
| USRE42688E | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US20030024191A1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US20050046131A1 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US20050241055A1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US20060068278A1 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US20060277675A1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US20080184471A1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US20090100585A1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US20100050330A1 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| US20110030802A1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US20120167297A1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US20130167293A1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US20140143945A1 | Cites | United States of America | Applicant |
| US20140215702A1 | Cites | United States of America | Search report |
| JP07292750 | Cites | Japan | Applicant |
| WO2016078682A1 | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | Search report |
| Machine Translation for JP '750. | Non-patent | – | Search report |
| Machine Translation for JP '750. | Non-patent | – | Search report |
9 members in 3 offices
Priority claims6
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 201313759803 | United States of America | A | |
| 201313759803 | United States of America | A | |
| 201615157110 | United States of America | A | |
| 13759803 | – | – | – |
| US201313759803 | – | – | – |
| US201615157110 | – | – | – |
Members9
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| US2014215702A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| WO2014123853A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| US9340963B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US2017159276A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2017196418A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| CA2958268A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| US9879437B2This record | United States of America | B2 | |
| US9957701B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| CA2958268C | Canada | C |
66 transactions on the USPTO file
Allowed after 2 non-final rejections.
- Non-final rejections
- 2
- Final rejections
- 0
- RCEs
- 0
- Appeals
- 0
Over time
Point at a mark for the transactionTransactions
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Expire PatentEXP. | EXP. | |
| Maintenance Fee Reminder MailedREM. | REM. | |
| Recordation of Patent Grant MailedPGM/ | PGM/ | |
| Patent Issue Date Used in PTA CalculationAllowedPTAC | PTAC | |
| Issue Notification MailedAllowedWPIR | WPIR | |
| Dispatch to FDCD1935 | D1935 | |
| Application Is Considered Ready for IssuePILS | PILS | |
| Issue Fee Payment VerifiedN084 | N084 | |
| Issue Fee Payment ReceivedIFEE | IFEE | |
| Printer Rush- No mailingTCPB | TCPB | |
| Printer Rush- No mailingTCPB | TCPB | |
| Pubs Case Remand to TCPUBTC | PUBTC | |
| Printer Rush- No mailingTCPB | TCPB | |
| Mail Miscellaneous Communication to ApplicantMM327 | MM327 | |
| Miscellaneous Communication to Applicant - No Action CountM327 | M327 | |
| Pubs Case Remand to TCPUBTC | PUBTC | |
| Mail Notice of AllowanceAllowedMN/=. | MN/=. | |
| Notice of Allowance Data Verification CompletedAllowedN/=. | N/=. | |
| Examiner's Amendment CommunicationEX.A | EX.A | |
| Interview Summary - Examiner Initiated - TelephonicEXET | EXET | |
| Date Forwarded to ExaminerFWDX | FWDX | |
| Response after Non-Final ActionA... | A... | |
| Request for Extension of Time - GrantedXT/G | XT/G | |
| Application ready for PDX access by participating foreign officesCCRDY | CCRDY | |
| PG-Pub Issue NotificationPG-ISSUE | PG-ISSUE | |
| Mail Non-Final RejectionNon-final rejectionMCTNF | MCTNF | |
| Non-Final RejectionNon-final rejectionCTNF | CTNF | |
| Mail-Petition Decision - GrantedMPTGR | MPTGR | |
| Petition Decision - GrantedPTGR | PTGR | |
| Filing Receipt - CorrectedFLRCPT.C | FLRCPT.C | |
| Date Forwarded to ExaminerFWDX | FWDX | |
| PG-Pub RequestPG-RQST | PG-RQST | |
| PG-Pub Notice of new or Revised projected publication datePG-PB-DT | PG-PB-DT | |
| Incoming Letter Pertaining to the DrawingsLTDR | LTDR | |
| Response after Non-Final ActionA... | A... | |
| Request for Extension of Time - GrantedXT/G | XT/G | |
| Rescind Nonpublication Request for Pre Grant PublicationRESC | RESC | |
| Petition EnteredPET. | PET. | |
| Mail Non-Final RejectionNon-final rejectionMCTNF | MCTNF | |
| Non-Final RejectionNon-final rejectionCTNF | CTNF | |
| Information Disclosure Statement consideredIDSC | IDSC | |
| Case Docketed to Examiner in GAUDOCK | DOCK | |
| Preliminary AmendmentA.PE | A.PE | |
| Mail-Record Petition Decision of Granted to Make SpecialMP003 | MP003 | |
| Record Petition Decision of Granted to Make SpecialP003 | P003 | |
| Petition EnteredPET. | PET. | |
| Application Dispatched from OIPEOIPE | OIPE | |
| Change in Power of Attorney (May Include Associate POA)PA.. | PA.. | |
| Sent to Classification ContractorPGPC | PGPC | |
| FITF set to YES - revise initial settingFTFS | FTFS | |
| Application Is Now CompleteCOMP | COMP | |
| Application Is Now CompleteCOMP | COMP | |
| Filing Receipt - UpdatedFLRCPT.U | FLRCPT.U | |
| Patent Term Adjustment - Ready for ExaminationPTA.RFE | PTA.RFE | |
| Payment of additional filing fee/PreexamFLFEE | FLFEE | |
| Applicant has submitted new drawings to correct Corrected Papers problemsCORRDRW | CORRDRW | |
| Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) FiledM844 | M844 | |
| Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) FiledWIDS | WIDS | |
| Filing ReceiptFLRCPT.O | FLRCPT.O | |
| Notice Mailed--Application Incomplete--Filing Date AssignedINCD | INCD | |
| Applicant Has Filed a Verified Statement of Small Entity Status in Compliance with 37 CFR 1.27SMAL | SMAL | |
| Cleared by OIPE CSRL194 | L194 | |
| PGPubs nonPub RequestNPRQ | NPRQ | |
| IFW Scan & PACR Auto Security ReviewSCAN | SCAN | |
| Entity Status Set To Undiscounted (Initial Default Setting or Status Change)BIG. | BIG. | |
| Initial Exam Team nnIEXX | IEXX |
5 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Over the term
Point at a mark for the eventEvents
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Fee payment procedureMAINTENANCE FEE REMINDER MAILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: REM.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITYFEPP | FEPP | |
| AssignmentAS | AS | |
| AssignmentAS | AS | |
| Information on status: patent grantGrantedPATENTED CASESTCF | STCF | |
| AssignmentAS | AS |
Numbers
- Publication
- 09879437
- Publication, DOCDB
- 9879437
- Publication, EPODOC
- US9879437
- Application
- 15157110
- Application, DOCDB
- 201615157110
- Application, EPODOC
- US201615157110
Titles
- English
- Transportable restroom
Patent term adjustment
- Applicant delay
- −29 days
- Net adjustment
- 0 days
Classification
- CPC, 5
- E04H1/1216
- A47K1/02
- E03D7/00
- A47K11/02
- E04H1/1266
- IPC, 4
- E04H1 12
- A47K1 02
- A47K11 02
- E03D7 00
- USPC, 2
- 280009000
- 001001000